Piano Tuning and Repair

Piano Tuning is the process of adjusting the strings of the piano so they will produce the correct sounds of a music scale. There are about 220 strings inside a piano. A cast iron frame supports these strings. The tension of these strings must be minutely adjusted to produce the correct sound. The large wooden diaphragm behind the soundboard are called bridges. The soundboard receives tone by way of the soundboard vibration. Bass strings, used on the lower register, and piano wire used on the upper, are held in place by tuning pins. These large pins are screwed into a pin block, composed of many layers of hardwood. By turning these pins, you can adjust the strings, therefore adjusting the pitch or sound.

The need for piano tuning varies, depending on humidity, temperature, quality of the pin block, if the piano has been moved, and how often the piano is played. In general, it is not a good idea to place your piano near a radiator, window or air conditioner. Extreme changes in humidity and temperature will affect the tension of the strings, which will change the sound or pitch. If the strings have dropped below concert pitch of A-440 (that’s a vibration of 440 beats per second) the piano will need a pitch-raising to bring the strings back up to pitch. Usually a four-hour block of time is booked to accommodate any unforeseen issues especially in the case of neglected pianos which may require extra care. If the tuner suggests a second or third tuning, it is wise to keep your appointments. This way the tuner can fulfill his/her goal of making your piano sound it’s best.

Piano Repair is the art of screwing, gluing, filing, adjusting, re-pinning, or replacing any part of the piano that may not be functioning properly. As an example, when you play one key, it takes 50 different parts inside the piano to sound that one note. The key lifts the wippen, that raises the jack, to drive the hammer, to strike the string, which produces a sound. At the same time, the damper is lifted off the string, to allow the string to vibrate. These mechanical parts of the piano as a whole are called the action. Any of these different parts can be broken, loose, causing a key to stick or not play at all, and may be the reason for a buzzing, rattling, ringing or just an off note. These parts are made up of such things

as wood, metal, leather, felt, and in some cases, plastic. When they cannot be fixed on the spot, new parts may need to be ordered. These parts are purchased from the tecnician who will order your parts specifically for your piano. After the initial evaluation of the piano, the technician will advise the owner of work to be done and parts to be repaired or replaced.

Action Regulation is the process of adjusting these action parts to give the most power, repetition, speed and evenness of tone and touch

from note to note. Badly worn parts can interfere with this and may need to be replaced. The technician will inform you of any further expenses should your piano require more than the regulation. Each piano make and model has it’s own specifications, minute measurements will be taken to align all existing actions parts to meet it’s best performance.

For large jobs, there is a $75 charge for on-site estimates. Findings will be discussed, written, emailed and/or printed out for the customer to review should the customer want to proceed with advised tunings, repairs, regulation. No work is done until both parties agree. Piano repair requires a great deal of skill and patience. It may take several visits to complete the job, during which time the piano may be unplayable. With older pianos, during the tuning or repair process, the possibility of breakage exists. The technician cannot be held responsible for broken parts or delays due to such occurrences. However, the technician will do his/her utmost to complete the job in a timely manner. Therefore, once work begins, it is imperative that arrangements be made for the technician to have access to the piano and that appointments are kept to complete the job.